13 Day British Columbia's Wild West Coast
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Tour Code BCWW 13 Day British Columbia's Wild West Coast 13 days Created on: 26 Sep, 2021 Day 1: Arrive in Vancouver, BC A vibrant metropolitan city, Vancouver is nestled between majestic mountains, sparkling ocean, rainforests and beautiful foliage. All four seasons make Vancouver one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Tonight enjoy a get acquainted dinner with fellow Overnight: Vancouver Included Meal(s): Dinner Day 2: Vancouver - Whistler, BC Travel from Vancouver to Whistler via the spectacular Sea-to-Sky Highway, we arrive at the Britannia Mine Museum. Go back in time on a guided tour of this once bustling Copper Mine. Then travelling north, enjoy the spectacular scenery en route to the Sea-to-Sky Gondola. Breathtaking views of 2600 metre high mountains on one side and glacier fjords on the other. Stops include: Shannon Falls- 3rd highest waterfall in BC, Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Whistler Village. Overnight: Whistler Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch Day 3: Whistler - Sechelt, BC This morning after breakfast we will visit the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre to discover the fascinating history of the Squamish and Lil'Wat People. Heading to Sechelt, enjoy travelling again along the Sea-to-Sky Highway. From Vancouver, we board the BC Ferry to Langdale, a tiny village on the north side of Howe Sound. Drive along the Sunshine Coast to Gibson's Landing. Visit the Winegarden Waterfront Park and take a panoramic picture of the harbour and scenic backdrop. Visit the many quaint shops at Gibson's Landing. Take a stroll down Molly's Lane or along Marine Drive and discover a compact collection of fine galleries, village shops and small markets. Our lodging for the next 2 nights overlooks Trail Bay and the Trail Islands in Sechelt. Overnight: Sechelt Included Meal(s): Breakfast Day 4: Sechelt, BC Our day begins with a visit to the Tem Swiya Museum, a First Nations museum that offers a rich collection of Native art and artifacts chronicling the heritage of the local Shishalh Nation, including an extensive basket collection. A local guide will then board the coach for a tour of the town of Sechelt and an island tour. A short drive takes us to Pender Harbour to visit the fabulous Ruby Lake Resort. The islands and fjords on the coast form one of the most beautiful cruising grounds in the world and you will experience this natural beauty in the Pender Harbour area. Get ready to set sail as you board a chartered yacht for a scenic Cruise of Pender Harbour. Overnight: Sechelt Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Canada/USA 1-866-814-7378 Page 1/4 Day 5: Sechelt - Vancouver, BC It is time to say farewell to Sechelt and re-board the BC Ferry back to Horseshoe Bay. Overnight: Vancouver Included Meal(s): Breakfast Day 6: Vancouver, BC On our city tour this morning, discover why Vancouver is often called the most captivating city in Canada. Our tour takes us through Stanley Park, Chinatown, Gastown, English Bay as well as some prestigious residential areas of Vancouver. This afternoon experience the natural wonder of British Columbia's west coast rain forest and the thrill of standing 450 feet above the Capilano River at the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your newfound friends. Overnight: Vancouver Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner Day 7: Vancouver - Victoria, BC Today we say farewell to Vancouver and head to the southern tip of Vancouver Island, to the city of Victoria, the gateway to Vancouver Island's rugged coastlines, quaint towns and vast, untouched wilderness.First settled in 1843 and named after Queen Victoria of England, Victoria was once the capital city of British North America, and is now the capital city of the province of British Columbia. This old British city has transitioned in to a beautiful modern city, young at heart and home to a thriving foodie and art culture. Overnight: Victoria, BC Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner Day 8: Victoria - Nanaimo, BC This morning we enjoy a sightseeing tour of Victoria and uncover the history of this old British city while showcasing it transition to the modern city it is today. We explore Oak Bay, the harbourfront, Beacon Hill and Chinatown, the second oldest Chinatown in North America.We conclude our tour with time to enjoy the incomparable beauty of Butchart Gardens. At one time the site of large limestone quarry, as the limestone deposits became exhausted, Jennie Butchart began transitioning her husband Robert Butchart's empty quarry in to the spectacular gardens we experience today. Showcasing an extensive and diverse variety of plants and flowers throughout of the many areas of the gardens, visitors today are left in awe.Departing Victoria we take a short drive north to the town of Chemainus, now known for its thriving arts community, the town was once on the verge of economic collapse. As a way to save the town and rejuvenate it, a series of murals were created to showcase the history of the town which are now featured throughout the town. A local guide will meet us to take us on a tour of some of these murals and explain the significance and history of each masterpiece.This evening we arrive in Nanaimo, a bustling coastal city and haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Indulge in an authentic local delicacy, Nanaimo Bar; a chocolate and custard filled sweet treat that is sure to leave you wanting more. Overnight: Nanaimo Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Canada/USA 1-866-814-7378 Page 2/4 Day 9: Nanaimo - Tofino, BC This morning our journey turns we journey to the west coast of Vancouver Island, soon arriving in Tofino. Located on the edge of Clayoquot Sound, surrounded by Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Tofino is an eclectic town loved by all; a laid back destination for beach lovers, exceptional surf conditions draw adventurers and the untouched rainforest for nature lovers to enjoy. We take a water taxi across a small area of water to Meares Island, now a protected area, was once in great danger of clear cut logging. In the early 1980's local residents of Tofino, the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations and concerned environmentalists fought the logging companies to save this centuries old forest.On Meares Island, we explore Big Tree Trail, surrounded by towering trees that are over 1000 years old and fern covered forest floor. We learn about the islands eco system as we make are way along the trail to the spectacular Hanging Garden Tree. With a circumference of 18.3 metres and a towering height of over 42 metre, this tree, a Western Red Cedar is believed to be 2000 years old and one of the oldest living trees in the world. Take some time to explore the trail at your leisure before we return to Tofino on water taxi. Overnight: Tofino Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner Day 10: Tofino, BC This morning take some time to experience Tofino and its surrounding area as you choose with some time at leisure. This afternoon, rejoin the group as we embark on an exciting excursion to Hot Springs Cove. Situated in Maquinna Provincial Park, Hot Springs Cove is accessible only by boat or seaplane. We will travel by boat through Clayoquot Sound with the possibility to see many locals along the way - whales, black bears, seals, sea lions and sea otters are often spotted along this incredible coastline.Enjoy plenty of time to relax and enjoy the surrounding beauty of Hot Springs Cove, often referred to as Mother Nature's Hot Tub. Soak in the geothermal heat of the natural, salty water with refreshing steaming raindrops falling on your face. Relaxed and rejuvenated we once again travel through the beauty of Clayoquot Sound and return to Tofino. Overnight: Tofino Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Day 11: Tofino - Campbell River, BC As we bid farewell to Tofino, we make our way back to the East Coast of Vancouver Island. After a scenic drive, we experience Horne Lakes Provincial Park, located in the heart of Vancouver Island the park is home to more than 1000 natural, protected caves. A park guide will meet us and leaf us on a tour of the caves to discover the crystals and ancient fossils firsthand for the opportunity to leave about the unique geology of featured in the park. (An alternative, self-guided, above-ground option is offered to those who prefer not to go underground)Later today we arrive in Campbell River, known as the "Salmon Capital of the World" and an important coastal city located on the edge of Discovery Passage and the famed Inside Passage. Like most towns and cities on the island, Campbell River has a rich Aboriginal heritage, whose influence is showcased throughout the area. Overnight: Campbell River Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner Day 12: Campbell River, BC We visit the Museum at Campbell River today, a modern museum recognized as one of the best in Canada focuses on the impressive history of the region with interactive exhibits focused on Aboriginal Culture, Pioneer life, and the logging and fishing industries that have richly impacted the life of people in Campbell River.This afternoon we board a zodiac boat and travel in to the Discovery Passage and the surrounding islands. We explore the shoreline, and discover the wildlife of the region including, Sea Lions, Black Canada/USA 1-866-814-7378 Page 3/4 Bears, Eagles and so much more as we learn about the intriguing history of the Discovery Passage.